Frank H. Turner

Frank H. Turner was interviewed on September 1, 2003 by his daughter, Debbie Turner from the Holy Cross Tribal Council, and Karen Brewster from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Oral History Program at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. The sound of cars passing on the busy street in front of his house can be heard in the background of the interview, because it was a warm day and the living room windows were open. Frank lives in Anchorage, but still owns a home in Holy Cross and visits there regularly, especially for fishing, hunting, and village celebrations. In this three-part interview, Frank recounts his early memories of childhood in Shageluk and in the mining camps at Flat and Iditarod, attending school, learning to trap, holiday celebrations, traveling the rivers by barge, and early airplanes. He talks about being in the military, receiving electrician training, and his work history, including helping his father and his brother run the Turner Store in Holy Cross and becoming a pilot and hunting guide. Frank tells stories of adventures in planes and on the trapline and hunting, and also discusses how life in Holy Cross has changed. At the end of the interview, Frank describes photographs from his personal collection that he felt represented his life. The photographs add another layer to understanding his life and the history of Holy Cross.

Video clip of Frank Turner telling a story about Crow and Beaver (recorded on October 5, 2003 in Anchorage, Alaska by Frank's grandaughter, Brianna Demientieff.)